Three Projects to Jump-Start Revenue

If revenue feels like it’s lagging — and for many boutique firms it often does feel that way — here are three projects you can start immediately. You don’t have complete control over how fast results show up, but if you execute on any one or all of these, you will see results.

1. Have lunch with your best clients

“Clients” here means broadly: current clients, past clients, or even strong past prospects where you built real trust.

At these lunches, ask one question:

“If you could paint a picture of a dream-come-true experience as a client working with a firm like ours, what would it look like?”

Then listen. Take notes (be seen taking notes). Use the insights to improve your client experience. Bi-product: Good chance you will see opportunities come from this effort.

Don’t wait until you’ve designed the “perfect process” — start booking lunches now.

2. Book coffee dates — daily if you can

If revenue is behind plan, this should be a top priority.

The key: just do it. Get out and talk to people you know and like. No pitches, no asks. Just check in. If you spot a way to help, do it — without the drama of asking, “Is there anything I can help you with?”

Consistency is everything. Daily coffees, or as close to it as you can, will surface opportunities. You can’t predict where they’ll come from, but they will come.

3. Call your clients and former prospects

Yes, call — not email.

Make a list of 60 people: current clients, past clients, and best past prospects. Call three to five each day. Most will go to voicemail, which is fine. Leave a short message where you mention a new service or ask, “what else can I help you with?” Then immediately follow up with a text: “per my voice mail, how is 10:30AM Tuesday for a quick call?”

Do 3-5 of these per day, working your list until you cycle through all 60. Then start again.

You will notice in none of these projects there’s any mention of cold outreach or lead-gen hacks. That’s intentional. No need for complicated tech and your clients are your best opportunities. Period. Start with them, and the revenue will follow.